Chicago, Illinois-- In sports there are many stories to be told and one that sometimes that get over looked is the story of friendship and brotherhood that last for a lifetime and teaches us something about ourselves. CJ Fair's brotherhood with Michael Carter-Williams is no different. The two played together at Syracuse for two years and Fair watched Williams go on to the NBA. Fair saw Williams go through the NBA Draft, get drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, play in the summer league, have a phenomenal rookie season, and even win the Rookie of the Year Award. Now Fair, at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, Fair is going down the same path that Williams went just a year ago and Fair has his former teammate, best friend, and brother Williams to be there for him every step of the way.
The Beginning:
It started Fair's sophomore year when Williams moved into the same apartment complex as him and they were neighbors. The two hung out every day and really got the chance to know each when the season started because they were roommates on the road. Fair and Williams realized they had many things in common and instantly formed a bond. Whether it was going out on late night runs to get food or going to each other’s apartments playing video games, Fair and Williams’ bond grew off the court which made the chemistry on the court at Syracuse even stronger. With the chemistry on the court they became fan favorites instantly which even prompted a sports show called "The Mike and CJ Show" hosted by Donna Ditota. The show would allow fans of SU to ask questions about plays Syracuse ran, or about Fair and Williams and brought a great insight into the duo. On the court, they are known for their "Alley Oops" and how well they and the entire team gelled together so well. At the end of Carter-Williams sophomore year he decided to go into the NBA and Fair decided he would stay his senior year. Fans of the Orange at that time knew that day would come and watched Williams become a star in the NBA and watch Fair continue to grow, however when Williams went into the NBA the bond didn't break with Fair, the two continued to talk and Fair would seek advice from time to time from Williams and that was no different when Fair was preparing for the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.
"Just talking with Michael throughout the season, he's one of my best friends, he was telling me some stuff about how to prepare for the combine and telling me about the different pace in the NBA {compared} to college," said Fair when he was asked about the things Williams told him about the league and what to expect for the combine. Williams chimed in as well via the phone about the advice he gave to Fair.
"We talked a little bit, I told him to get his rest time and get out there. Our trainer, he knows everything that they do in the combine, so {CJ} is already prepared for that. I told him {CJ} to go in there confident" said Williams. Williams went on talking about advice he gave Fair as far as the transition into the NBA.
"I told him to listen {to the veterans}, try and learn each and every day from them, and go as hard as you can in your workouts and you'll adapt to the NBA lifestyle." said Williams he also added that he personally took advice from several people.
"I talked to a lot of people Kevin Durant has given me advice, Lebron has given me advice, even guys that are retired like Dr. J, especially since I'm here in Philly" said Williams.
This process is all new to Fair and this is a dream come true for him as well. Fair mentioned that when he was in Chicago at the Combine.
"Once I got here in Chicago and started filling out the paper work. it hit me {the reality that this was really happening} that night, knowing that I'm this much closer to my dream and I really want to enjoy this moment." said Fair as he recalled the moments that lead into the combines and then added how it was for him to see his best friend Williams accomplish so much over this past season.
"Yeah when you see your friends do it {go into the NBA and become successful} it shows you how you can use their blueprints, how to make your job easier and it makes you a proud friend, knowing and seeing hard work paying off and it gives you that much more motivation to keep working hard." said Fair
Now less than 30 days away from the NBA Draft Fair is working out periodically in Houston with John Lucas, III of the Utah Jazz preparing to come back to Chicago to do a workout with the Bulls. Fair is living a part of the dream but will be the first to admit it's not over yet. Fair will continue to work hard into draft that as he is ready to come into the league and make his mark. Fair will not go through this alone as his brother, Williams, will be right there with him every step of the way.
The Beginning:
It started Fair's sophomore year when Williams moved into the same apartment complex as him and they were neighbors. The two hung out every day and really got the chance to know each when the season started because they were roommates on the road. Fair and Williams realized they had many things in common and instantly formed a bond. Whether it was going out on late night runs to get food or going to each other’s apartments playing video games, Fair and Williams’ bond grew off the court which made the chemistry on the court at Syracuse even stronger. With the chemistry on the court they became fan favorites instantly which even prompted a sports show called "The Mike and CJ Show" hosted by Donna Ditota. The show would allow fans of SU to ask questions about plays Syracuse ran, or about Fair and Williams and brought a great insight into the duo. On the court, they are known for their "Alley Oops" and how well they and the entire team gelled together so well. At the end of Carter-Williams sophomore year he decided to go into the NBA and Fair decided he would stay his senior year. Fans of the Orange at that time knew that day would come and watched Williams become a star in the NBA and watch Fair continue to grow, however when Williams went into the NBA the bond didn't break with Fair, the two continued to talk and Fair would seek advice from time to time from Williams and that was no different when Fair was preparing for the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.
"Just talking with Michael throughout the season, he's one of my best friends, he was telling me some stuff about how to prepare for the combine and telling me about the different pace in the NBA {compared} to college," said Fair when he was asked about the things Williams told him about the league and what to expect for the combine. Williams chimed in as well via the phone about the advice he gave to Fair.
"We talked a little bit, I told him to get his rest time and get out there. Our trainer, he knows everything that they do in the combine, so {CJ} is already prepared for that. I told him {CJ} to go in there confident" said Williams. Williams went on talking about advice he gave Fair as far as the transition into the NBA.
"I told him to listen {to the veterans}, try and learn each and every day from them, and go as hard as you can in your workouts and you'll adapt to the NBA lifestyle." said Williams he also added that he personally took advice from several people.
"I talked to a lot of people Kevin Durant has given me advice, Lebron has given me advice, even guys that are retired like Dr. J, especially since I'm here in Philly" said Williams.
This process is all new to Fair and this is a dream come true for him as well. Fair mentioned that when he was in Chicago at the Combine.
"Once I got here in Chicago and started filling out the paper work. it hit me {the reality that this was really happening} that night, knowing that I'm this much closer to my dream and I really want to enjoy this moment." said Fair as he recalled the moments that lead into the combines and then added how it was for him to see his best friend Williams accomplish so much over this past season.
"Yeah when you see your friends do it {go into the NBA and become successful} it shows you how you can use their blueprints, how to make your job easier and it makes you a proud friend, knowing and seeing hard work paying off and it gives you that much more motivation to keep working hard." said Fair
Now less than 30 days away from the NBA Draft Fair is working out periodically in Houston with John Lucas, III of the Utah Jazz preparing to come back to Chicago to do a workout with the Bulls. Fair is living a part of the dream but will be the first to admit it's not over yet. Fair will continue to work hard into draft that as he is ready to come into the league and make his mark. Fair will not go through this alone as his brother, Williams, will be right there with him every step of the way.